Ho Chi Minh 2017
INTRODUCTION
It's time to travel again (woohoo !!) and this time off we went to Ho Chi Minh. The bustling capital of Vietnam presents an enigmatic destination for all of us.
The flights to and from HCMC cost us slightly less than RM 2400 for 6 people, including food and luggage, which is quite a steal actually.
We took Airasia flight AK526 which landed in Tan Son Nhat International Airport at around 1 pm local time (HCMC is one hour behind KL).
FIRST DAY
We pre-booked the transportation to our hostel and that costs 300,000 VND (roughly RM 60). In hindsight we could've used Grab to book a ride to town center. More on Grab later.
We stayed at Vitamin Smiles Hostel (previously known as CLCC Hostel) for 4 nights and it cost us RM 430. The room has 3 bunk beds and some lockers. The toilet is right outside our room but it's shared with another room on the same floor.
Without hesitation, we took a walk around the city. Crossing roads in HCMC takes some bravery but you'll get used to it.
Chinese Opera is still being watched here. Our first stop was Ben Thanh Market. Lots of things to see and buy here but at tourist price of course. We had our first Vietnamese Pho here.
Next, we proceeded to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. You have to be careful here as costumed actors will entice you to take photo with them and then give you some sweets. After that they will ask you to pay a fee (amounting to RM 9 in our case). A small amount but nonetheless it can sour your otherwise nice trip.
We then proceeded to the Observation Sky Deck of Bitexco Financial Tower. The tickets cost us around RM 174. There is a small Aodai Museum at the observation deck and a cafe as well.
While walking back to the hostel we chanced upon a weekend market which sells a variety of food, clothing and trinkets.
We also took a stroll along Bui Vien Walking Street which essentially is a pub street. A very happening place, we marveled at the activities, music and people there.
Back at the hostel, it was time to chill and enjoy a moment of silence.
SECOND DAY
After a nice breakfast meal of Vietnamese Pho which is included in the hostel price (what !!), we proceeded to explore the wet market outside our abode.
We left the market as we made our way to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens via Grab Car. Grab is not only a convenient way to get around the city but most of the time it is also the cheapest alternative for those who do not speak Vietnamese. So just make sure it's installed in your mobile device.
Incidentally, there is a museum and temple on both sides of the zoo's entrance (but the museum is closed on Mondays). This zoo is one of the oldest in the world.
The zoo is a tranquil escape from hustle and bustle of the city.
The botanical part of the gardens is not to be missed as well.
There is also a dinosaur park here.
After taking in the calming atmosphere of the zoo, we made our way across the city to have a look at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office. Both are magnificent works of architecture.
We then made our way to the Independence Museum. This historic place is not be missed as this was where the South Vietnamese government operated from before it fell to the North Vietnamese after the Vietnam War. It also served as the command center during the war.
What's left to be done but to drink Vietnamese coffee. We found a nice place at a busy intersection and had a coffee break while observing the manic traffic outside.
THIRD DAY
We ventured further out from the city on that day. We took a tour package to Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour (inclusive of entry ticket) costs 290,000 VND (approx RM 52) per person.
During this tour, we passed by Tran Hung Dao statue and also visited a handicraft center which hires people who are affected physically by Agent Orange (a harmful chemical used by US during Vietnam War). However the prices here are overly expensive.
At the tunnels we were treated to a simple meal of tapioca which was the staple diet of communist soldiers during the war.
With some time on our hands, we decided to venture to Flower Street and Chinatown before taking another coffee break.
FOURTH DAY
The penultimate day of our travel to HCMC saw us visiting the War Remnants Museum. It's full of historical artifacts and valuable albeit moving information and photos about Vietnam's past.
From the museum we walked to Book Street. It's a unique street with small and interesting book stalls selling mainly Vietnamese language materials.
Our next stop was Saigon Opera House. The exquisite French architecture is evident from the moment you set your eyes on the building.
Our visit to HCMC would not be complete without checking out The Cafe Apartments. Some entrepreneurs decided to convert the units in an old apartment building along Nguyen Hue walking street to business establishments especially boutique cafes and fashion outlets.
The building itself is not much to look at but once you start exploring the individual units, you'll find yourself moving from one interesting concept to another.
We visited a couple of more places after that. These are the Russian Market (where they sell clothes with stalls arranged in very tight configuration) and the Cau Mong bridge where the Saigon Securities Exchange is located. However, in my opinion, you can give these places a miss cause they're quite disappointing.
LAST DAY
It's time to go back home but we still had the morning and early afternoon. We decided to visit the Saigon Fine Arts Museum which is near our hostel. I'm not much of an art connoisseur but I really liked to ambience and art pieces displayed there.
Before we say goodbye we had our lunch at an interesting restaurant. The food was great and they had a 50% discount for the grand opening. What a way to end our trip.
All in all, we spent approximately RM 5000 for flights, accommodation, entrance tickets, local transportation, food and souvenirs for 6 persons.
I'll leave you with a photo of some 3D model cards we bought. Tạm biệt !!
It's time to travel again (woohoo !!) and this time off we went to Ho Chi Minh. The bustling capital of Vietnam presents an enigmatic destination for all of us.
The flights to and from HCMC cost us slightly less than RM 2400 for 6 people, including food and luggage, which is quite a steal actually.
We took Airasia flight AK526 which landed in Tan Son Nhat International Airport at around 1 pm local time (HCMC is one hour behind KL).
FIRST DAY
We pre-booked the transportation to our hostel and that costs 300,000 VND (roughly RM 60). In hindsight we could've used Grab to book a ride to town center. More on Grab later.
We stayed at Vitamin Smiles Hostel (previously known as CLCC Hostel) for 4 nights and it cost us RM 430. The room has 3 bunk beds and some lockers. The toilet is right outside our room but it's shared with another room on the same floor.
Without hesitation, we took a walk around the city. Crossing roads in HCMC takes some bravery but you'll get used to it.
Chinese Opera is still being watched here. Our first stop was Ben Thanh Market. Lots of things to see and buy here but at tourist price of course. We had our first Vietnamese Pho here.
Next, we proceeded to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. You have to be careful here as costumed actors will entice you to take photo with them and then give you some sweets. After that they will ask you to pay a fee (amounting to RM 9 in our case). A small amount but nonetheless it can sour your otherwise nice trip.
We then proceeded to the Observation Sky Deck of Bitexco Financial Tower. The tickets cost us around RM 174. There is a small Aodai Museum at the observation deck and a cafe as well.
While walking back to the hostel we chanced upon a weekend market which sells a variety of food, clothing and trinkets.
We also took a stroll along Bui Vien Walking Street which essentially is a pub street. A very happening place, we marveled at the activities, music and people there.
Back at the hostel, it was time to chill and enjoy a moment of silence.
SECOND DAY
After a nice breakfast meal of Vietnamese Pho which is included in the hostel price (what !!), we proceeded to explore the wet market outside our abode.
We left the market as we made our way to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens via Grab Car. Grab is not only a convenient way to get around the city but most of the time it is also the cheapest alternative for those who do not speak Vietnamese. So just make sure it's installed in your mobile device.
Incidentally, there is a museum and temple on both sides of the zoo's entrance (but the museum is closed on Mondays). This zoo is one of the oldest in the world.
The zoo is a tranquil escape from hustle and bustle of the city.
The botanical part of the gardens is not to be missed as well.
There is also a dinosaur park here.
After taking in the calming atmosphere of the zoo, we made our way across the city to have a look at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office. Both are magnificent works of architecture.
What's left to be done but to drink Vietnamese coffee. We found a nice place at a busy intersection and had a coffee break while observing the manic traffic outside.
THIRD DAY
We ventured further out from the city on that day. We took a tour package to Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour (inclusive of entry ticket) costs 290,000 VND (approx RM 52) per person.
During this tour, we passed by Tran Hung Dao statue and also visited a handicraft center which hires people who are affected physically by Agent Orange (a harmful chemical used by US during Vietnam War). However the prices here are overly expensive.
At the tunnels we were treated to a simple meal of tapioca which was the staple diet of communist soldiers during the war.
With some time on our hands, we decided to venture to Flower Street and Chinatown before taking another coffee break.
FOURTH DAY
The penultimate day of our travel to HCMC saw us visiting the War Remnants Museum. It's full of historical artifacts and valuable albeit moving information and photos about Vietnam's past.
From the museum we walked to Book Street. It's a unique street with small and interesting book stalls selling mainly Vietnamese language materials.
Our next stop was Saigon Opera House. The exquisite French architecture is evident from the moment you set your eyes on the building.
Our visit to HCMC would not be complete without checking out The Cafe Apartments. Some entrepreneurs decided to convert the units in an old apartment building along Nguyen Hue walking street to business establishments especially boutique cafes and fashion outlets.
The building itself is not much to look at but once you start exploring the individual units, you'll find yourself moving from one interesting concept to another.
LAST DAY
It's time to go back home but we still had the morning and early afternoon. We decided to visit the Saigon Fine Arts Museum which is near our hostel. I'm not much of an art connoisseur but I really liked to ambience and art pieces displayed there.
Before we say goodbye we had our lunch at an interesting restaurant. The food was great and they had a 50% discount for the grand opening. What a way to end our trip.
All in all, we spent approximately RM 5000 for flights, accommodation, entrance tickets, local transportation, food and souvenirs for 6 persons.
I'll leave you with a photo of some 3D model cards we bought. Tạm biệt !!
